The Galarian species was one Josh had never seen before, and one Josh had never expected to have a move that could take advantage of high speed. Unable to react to the BOLT BEAK thanks to being wrack with paralysis, it pierced the orange dragon's chest scales with a pop that overloaded his Gym's safety system a second time. Blood spewed out of the vicious puncture, perhaps blinding the Dracozolt. A screech from the Dragonite was all Josh needed to hear.

"Stop!" The Gym Leader threw his hands into the air. "Kouma, you're very clearly talented enough to take on the Gym Circuit for real. You've also made me aware that we need better technology or more frequent maintenance here at Mauville Gym. Or both. You've more than earned your check."

As Josh led the two back toward the side gate from which Kouji had entered, he continued to make small talk about the battle. "I had a lot of fun in our match. Thanks again." After both of them had left, the Gym Leader locked the side gate and headed back to his apartment.

Some time later, when Kouji received his check in the mail, inside the envelope would also be a copy of the Hoenn League QUICK BADGE.

MEDIUM-TERM INJURY

Dracozolt's BOLT BEAK has inflicted a devastating wound upon Tiamat. While Tiamat is paralyzed, any physical attacks that target her are automatic critical hits that cannot miss. This injury can be removed no earlier than December 27, 2023.